14 October 2016 — The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago conducted its ninth consular outreach service for the year in Des Moines, Iowa to serve Filipinos in the Hawkeye State’s capital and its surrounding areas.

From as far as neighboring Nebraska, a group of Filipinos came to avail themselves of the services offered by the consular team composed of Deputy Consul General Romulo Victor Israel, Jr., Elizabeth G. Villa, Arneil D. Torres, Anna Liza F. Alcantara, Christina D. Aquino, and Jerwin I. Mamalateo.

To former Filipinos who came to re-acquire and retain their Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225, DCG Israel remarked that they would not only regain the rights and privileges, but also assume the duties, of citizens of the Philippines. He encouraged them to register later on as overseas voters. He also mentioned the importance for Filipino Americans in participating in the electoral processes in the United States, noting that early voting has begun in Iowa on September 29.

Ms. Sanjita Pradhan, Executive Officer of the Office of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs of the Iowa Department of Human Rights, gave a talk on how her state agency supports and trains up-and-coming members of the different Asian American communities to apply to and actively engage in various local boards and commissions as a way of empowering their communities.  She emphasized the need for Asian Americans to increase their civic engagement so that political leaders and policymakers would pay attention and direct resources to address their specific needs and concerns.

Mr. Roel Campos of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Iowa coordinated with the Consulate General for the consular outreach to be held at the World Financial Group premises in Des Moines.

At the end of the day, the consular team rendered a total of 166 services, including 99 ePassport applications, 32 dual citizenship applications and 35 civil registration and notarial services. END